Pieris are popular evergreen shrubs for much the same situations as rhododendrons, often growing together in the wild. There are some dwarf forms, but most are capable of growing several metres tall in time. The inflorescences are hanging racemes of many small bell-shaped flowers, appearing early in the year and lasting for a long time.

Pieris japonica 'Viking' is a dwarf form of this common shrub with striking emerging foliage in the spring. This is followed by red flower buds producing white flowers.